India is home to one of the busiest domestic aviation markets in the world, with airlines in India carrying well over 140 million passengers a year. From budget giants like IndiGo to full-service carriers like Air India, the list of airlines in India covers everything from metro-to-metro routes to remote regional connections. This guide breaks down the top airlines in India, how they compare on fares, safety, and punctuality, and how to pick the right one for your trip.
Air travel in India has changed fast in the last few years. New airlines in India, like Akasa Air, have entered the market, while others like Vistara have merged away entirely. So if you’re wondering how many airlines in India are actually flying today, or which aviation companies in India are worth booking, here’s an up-to-date, practical breakdown.
Aviation Industry in India at a Glance
The Indian aviation industry is the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, and it’s still growing. Domestic air travel growth has been driven by rising incomes, better airport infrastructure, and government schemes that connect smaller cities to the flight network.
The market today is dominated by a handful of full-service carriers and low-cost carriers (LCC), alongside a growing tier of regional airlines serving tier-2 and tier-3 city connectivity. Here’s how the numbers currently stack up.
Market Share by Airline (2026)
| Airline | Approx. Domestic Market Share | Notes |
| IndiGo | ~64% | Consistently India’s largest carrier |
| Air India Group (Air India + Air India Express) | ~24–27% | Includes former Vistara routes |
| Akasa Air | ~5–6% | Fastest-growing carrier |
| SpiceJet | ~2–4% | Declining share; financial pressures |
| Regional carriers (Star Air, Alliance Air, Fly91, etc.) | Under 2% combined | UDAN-scheme operators |
Market share figures are based on DGCA data and shift month to month , check the latest DGCA report before relying on exact numbers.
Full-Service vs Low-Cost Carriers
Not all airlines in India operate the same way, and the difference affects your fare and experience.
- Full-service carriers: Air India offers meals, checked baggage, and multiple cabin classes as standard.
- Low-cost carriers (LCC): IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express keep fares low by charging extra for meals, seat selection, and extra baggage.
- Regional airlines: Alliance Air, Star Air, TruJet, and FlyBig focus on smaller aircraft and underserved routes rather than amenities.
Top Airlines in India (2026 List)
Here’s the current list of airlines in India that matter most for travelers, ranked by relevance and network size.
Each of these carriers serves a different kind of traveler , from budget flyers to those wanting a full-service international experience. Below is what sets each one apart.
IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s largest airline by domestic market share, operating a fleet of 300+ Airbus A320 family aircraft. It’s known for frequent flights, strong punctuality, and low fares across metro and tier-2 routes, including growing international routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Fleet: Airbus A320/A321 family
- Best for: Budget travelers, frequent domestic flyers
- Strength: Largest route network, strong on-time performance
Air India
Air India is India’s flag carrier and oldest airline, now under Tata Group ownership since 2022. It’s the main full-service carrier flying long-haul international routes, using a fleet that includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners alongside its domestic aircraft.
- Fleet: Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus and Boeing narrow-body aircraft
- Best for: Business and premium travel, long-haul international routes
- Strength: Star Alliance membership, wide global network
Akasa Air
Akasa Air is India’s newest major airline, launched in 2022 with an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet. It has expanded quickly on domestic routes and has started limited international routes, positioning itself as a modern, fuel-efficient low-cost carrier.
- Fleet: Boeing 737 MAX (young average fleet age)
- Best for: Travelers who prioritize newer aircraft
- Strength: Fast-growing network, strong on-time record
SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a long-running low-cost carrier that has faced financial and operational challenges in recent years, resulting in a shrinking market share. It still operates routes to several tier-2 cities and offers occasional promotional fares.
- Fleet: Boeing 737, Q400 turboprops
- Best for: Deal hunters on select routes
- Strength: Regional connectivity via smaller aircraft
Air India Express
Air India Express is the low-cost subsidiary of the Air India Group, focused on affordable domestic and short-haul international travel. It has a particularly strong presence on South India and Gulf routes.
- Fleet: Boeing 737 (narrow-body)
- Best for: Budget travelers to South India and the Gulf
- Strength: Strong South India network
Alliance Air
Alliance Air is a government-backed regional airline connecting smaller cities to major metro hubs under the UDAN scheme. It operates an all-ATR 72 turboprop fleet built for short regional hops.
- Fleet: ATR 72 turboprop
- Best for: Tier-2/tier-3 city connectivity
- Strength: Reaches airports larger airlines skip
Star Air
Star Air is a regional carrier focused on connecting underserved cities, primarily in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, using a small Embraer E175 fleet. It’s a niche but useful option for short-distance regional travel.
- Fleet: Embraer E175
- Best for: Regional travel within South India
- Strength: Access to smaller, less-served airports
TruJet
TruJet is a regional airline that has focused on South Indian routes under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, though it has gone through operational pauses over the years. It remains relevant mainly for tier-2 and tier-3 city travel in the south.
- Fleet: Limited ATR turboprop fleet
- Best for: Regional connectivity in South India
- Strength: Access to smaller regional airports
FlyBig
FlyBig is a small regional carrier specializing in Northeast India connectivity, operating a limited fleet of ATR 72 aircraft. It serves routes that larger airlines generally don’t cover.
- Fleet: ATR 72
- Best for: Northeast India travel
- Strength: Connects mountainous, hard-to-reach routes
Regional Airlines Under UDAN Scheme
Beyond the well-known names, India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme has brought several newer regional airlines into the market. Fly91 and Indian Air are among the more recent entrants, both focused on connecting smaller cities that lack frequent air links to metro hubs.
These regional carriers typically fly smaller aircraft, have limited route networks, and cater mainly to short-haul, point-to-point travel rather than long-distance or international trips. If you’re traveling to a tier-3 city, it’s worth checking whether one of these operates on your route before assuming only major airlines fly there.
Safety Ratings of Indian Airlines
Airline safety rating matters to a lot of travelers, and India’s carriers vary here. According to independent safety assessments, newer fleets tend to score well, since aircraft age and maintenance history factor heavily into ratings.
| Airline | General Safety Standing | Fleet Age |
| Akasa Air | Rated among the highest in India | Very young fleet |
| IndiGo | Rated favorably | Moderate fleet age |
| Air India | Mid-tier rating | Mixed fleet age |
| SpiceJet | Lower rating in recent assessments | Older fleet |
Safety ratings are updated periodically by independent agencies like AirlineRatings.com , check their site directly for the latest scores before booking, since rankings can shift.
On-Time Performance Comparison
Punctuality is one of the most practical things travelers care about, and it varies noticeably between airlines in India. Based on recent DGCA on-time performance (OTP) data:
- IndiGo consistently records the highest on-time performance among major domestic carriers.
- Akasa Air closely trails IndiGo, often within a percentage point.
- Air India posts solid but slightly lower OTP figures.
- SpiceJet has recorded notably weaker punctuality in recent months.
OTP figures change monthly, so if punctuality is a priority, check the latest DGCA monthly report before booking.
Closed and Defunct Airlines in India
Not every airline that once flew in India is still operating today. A few notable exits are worth knowing, especially if you’re researching older bookings or loyalty points.
- Go First , Operations suspended since May 2023 due to financial issues; the airline has not resumed scheduled flights.
- Vistara , Merged into Air India in November 2024; former Vistara routes, aircraft, and Club Vistara points now fall under Air India.
- Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines , Both ceased operations years ago and remain among the more well-known list of airlines closed in India.
If you’re holding old tickets or points from any of these, check the current airline’s website (Air India, in Vistara’s case) for how legacy bookings are handled.
International Airlines Operating in India
Alongside domestic carriers, dozens of international airlines fly into and out of India’s major airports. Common examples include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa, connecting Indian cities to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo also operate a growing number of international routes themselves, particularly to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and long-haul Western destinations via Air India’s Star Alliance network.
Domestic Airlines Comparison Table (2026)
| Airline | Service Type | Best For | Cabin Classes |
| IndiGo | Low-Cost | Budget & frequent flyers | Economy |
| Air India | Full-Service | Business & premium travel | Economy, Premium Economy, Business |
| Akasa Air | Low-Cost | Modern fleet travelers | Economy |
| SpiceJet | Low-Cost | Deal hunters | Economy |
| Air India Express | Low-Cost | Budget travel to South India/Gulf | Economy |
| Alliance Air | Regional | Tier-2/3 connectivity | Economy |
| Star Air | Regional | Niche South Indian routes | Economy |
| TruJet | Regional | South India regional travel | Economy |
| FlyBig | Regional | Northeast India | Economy |
How to Choose the Best Airline for You
The right airline depends on what you value most on a trip , price, comfort, or reach.
- Best airline for business travel: Air India, for its premium cabins and long-haul network.
- Best airline for international travel: Air India for long-haul; IndiGo for shorter regional international routes.
- Cheapest airline in India: IndiGo and SpiceJet frequently offer the lowest base fares.
- Best for regional/remote destinations: Alliance Air, Star Air, or FlyBig.
Tips to Book Cheaper Flight Tickets
- Book 3–6 weeks in advance for better fares on major routes.
- Compare fares directly on airline websites and Web check-in apps rather than only aggregators.
- Watch for LCC promotional fare sales, especially from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.
- Be flexible with travel dates , midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend ones.
- Check baggage policy before booking, since LCC add-ons can offset a “cheap” base fare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 airlines in India?
The top 10 airlines in India include IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Alliance Air, Star Air, TruJet, FlyBig, and regional entrants like Fly91.
What are the top 10 safest airlines in India?
Akasa Air and IndiGo currently rank among the safest based on independent safety assessments, largely due to younger fleets and strong maintenance records; full rankings change periodically.
Who are the “big 3” airlines in India?
The big three are typically considered IndiGo, the Air India Group (including Air India Express), and Akasa Air, based on domestic market share.
Who is the biggest airline in India?
IndiGo is the biggest airline in India, holding roughly 64% of the domestic market share as of 2026.
Who is the best airline in India?
For overall service, Air India is often rated best for full-service and international travel, while IndiGo leads for punctuality and network size.
Is IndiGo bigger than Air India?
Yes, IndiGo carries more domestic passengers and holds a larger market share than Air India, though Air India has a broader international network.
Conclusion
Airlines in India range from budget-first carriers like IndiGo and Akasa Air to full-service options like Air India, with a growing layer of regional airlines connecting smaller cities under the UDAN scheme. Your best pick really depends on your route, budget, and whether you value punctuality, comfort, or reach.
Before booking, compare current market share, safety ratings, and on-time performance rather than relying on brand reputation alone, since rankings shift often. With India’s aviation sector still expanding, checking updated fares and schedules closer to your travel date will get you the best deal.
I’m the creator of TravellerAura.com ; a travel blog dedicated to inspiring journeys, practical tips and unforgettable destinations around the globe.
